PHNOM PENH, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and Turkmenistan have discussed establishing direct flights and accelerating the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aiming at boosting bilateral tourism growth and investment opportunities, said a press release from Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism on Sunday.
The talks were held on Saturday in Phnom Penh between Cambodia's Minister of Tourism Huot Hak and visiting Turkmen Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov, the press release said.
"Both sides exchanged in-depth views on strengthening and expanding bilateral tourism cooperation through the organization of Familiarization Trips (FAM Trips) for investors, media representatives, and tourism companies from both countries, joint tourism promotion activities, encouraging high-level tourism visits, and studying the feasibility of launching direct flights between Ashgabat and Phnom Penh, and between Ashgabat and Siem Reap," it said.
"Both sides also discussed accelerating the signing of a MoU on tourism cooperation ... in order to further strengthen and improve the effectiveness of bilateral tourism cooperation," it added.
During the meeting, Huot Hak urged the Central Asian country to help promote Cambodia's tourism potential and investment opportunities to the people of Turkmenistan, while also contributing to combating misinformation about Cambodia.
"Cambodia is a safe, peaceful, and welcoming destination for all international tourists," he said.
For his part, Gurbanov expressed admiration for Cambodia's peace, security, and progress across all sectors, including its tourism potential, particularly the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park.
He emphasized Turkmenistan's commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation with Cambodia, especially in the tourism sector.
Gurbanov also briefed on Turkmenistan's tourism potential, which includes UNESCO-recognized cultural and historical heritage sites, as well as medical tourism linked to natural therapeutic treatments, according to the press release. ■